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Beaches, Condos, and History in Honolulu

If your idea of the perfect vacation involves lots of sand, sunshine, delicious food, and lofty palm trees, it is a pretty good idea to start planning a vacation to Honolulu, Hawaii. Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii, the 50th and youngest state in the USA. It is nestled on the Polynesian island of Oahu, which is centered right in the North Pacific Ocean. Book reservations for a condo in Waikiki and enjoy oceanfront, panoramic views and easy access to the beach!

Historical Sites and Museums

As the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu houses a large amount of the state's historical memories. The history of Honolulu includes the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7th, 1941. Make a day trip to the memorial site and museum to pay respects and learn more about the historical event that shifted American history forever. The Bishop Museum is another excellent stop to make. Captain James Cook is famously known for setting foot in Honolulu in 1778. What many people fail to realize is that there were Polynesian voyagers in Honolulu long before Captain Cook arrived. The Bishop Museum highlights their discoveries, victories, and lifestyle during that time. Hawaii is home to many volcanos. Honolulu is home to Diamondhead Volcano. A popular pastime for many tourists involves hiking. Hike up to Diamondhead Volcano to enjoy the view and learn more about these explosive natural wonders.

Shopping in Honolulu

Shopping in Honolulu involves a vast array of delightful choices. If you'd love to purchase authentic apparel reminiscent of Polynesian flare, there are shops with floral shirts, leis, and straw fedora hats to enjoy. For anyone who enjoys finding vintage gems, there are quaint thrift and vintage stores. If you prefer the high-end, well-known designer name brands, Honolulu is also a modern metropolis. Visit Honolulu's Luxury Row on Kalakaua Ave and enjoy shops like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Chanel.

Waikiki Beach

One of the main attractions of Honolulu involves lots of sand, water, and suntan lotion. There are at least ten popular beaches within Honolulu alone. One of the most famous beaches is Waikiki Beach. Waikiki is one of the more popular areas of Hawaii because it is a popular attraction for anyone who loves to shop, but still stay close enough to the water and surf or enjoy fine dining. Waikiki Beach is found on the south side of Honolulu and is the perfect spot to get a fun surfing lesson, go paddle boarding, or just sunbathe and take a dip in the water to cool down. After a long day of sightseeing or sunbathing, enjoy native entertainment and foods. Hula dancing shows are very popular with live music, cultural clothing, and unique dance. Since Hawaii is such a melting pot of cultures, this displays itself in the food as well. There is also a heavy emphasis on Asian fusion in the food due to its Hawaii's large Asian population. However, there is something for everyone within the foods of Honolulu.

Weather in Honolulu

Honolulu's weather is typically warm as they don't experience the four seasons as many other states do. Honolulu's warm season begins at the end of June and goes until October. The cold season typically goes from December until March. The average temperature in Honolulu fluctuates between 81 to 85 degrees. Many people enjoy vacationing when their weather is really cold. Popular times include December all the way to April. In order to avoid large crowds, try visiting Honolulu between April to June or September to December.

How to Get There

There are two ways most people get into Honolulu. Either fly into Honolulu International Airport or take a cruise ship into Pier 10-11, the Honolulu cruise pier, which is right next to the famous Aloha Tower. In order to get around the city, it is wise to get a rental car or a private car. For those who might be afraid of driving in an unknown area, there is a public bus system available as well as taxis.

Attractions In and Around Honolulu

Have time to spare and looking for things to do around Honolulu? Local attractions include Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. Don’t miss landmarks such as Aloha Tower, Iolani Palace and Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace. If some outdoor time is on the agenda, soak up some sun at Ala Moana Beach Park and Duke Kahanamoku Beach or experience the natural beauty of Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.

You could easily spend a day shopping at Ala Moana Center, Kekaulike Market and Aloha Tower Marketplace. If you have extra time, you might want to explore the campuses of University of Hawaii at Manoa and Hawaii Pacific University. Want to take in a game or event? Get tickets for Aloha Stadium. Fun activities in the city include Judd Trail and Kaʻalawai Beach.